Public debate over British Columbia national park continues

A proposal to create a new national park in South Okanagan, British Columbia, is the source of varied public opinion. The provincial government released a proposal last year on potential land protection solutions, including the addition of two separate land areas into a new national park reserve. A public comment period garnered over 3,400 submissions, highlighting public concern over preserving biodiversity and the importance of hunting, fishing and tourism. Other groups issued concerns over the transfer of lands to the federal government and the subsequent lack of input from the local communities. British Columbia Parks, a provincial agency, released a report following the comment period stating that they will consider all feedback when creating the final proposal, and will likely release a decision on the park later this year.